After using a few drops for my scalp massages, I was shocked! How could switching hair oils make such a dramatic difference in how great my scalp felt? My view of the use of oil on my scalp and hair was forever changed once I experienced how calm and flake free my scalp started to become.
Whether you love to use hair oils or not, they are essential to adding nutrients and balance to your hair care regimen. Don’t believe me? Just take a look on the back of your favorite products and you’ll see at least one natural oil. Even though there are hundreds of natural oils out there, some help stimulate healthy hair growth more than others.
What Does Hair Oil Do?
When it comes to the use of hair oils there are three distinct categories: Sealants, Penetrating, and those that can do both.
Sealants aid in retaining or “locking” in moisture. They have a bigger molecular structure and are not easily absorbed by the hair shaft, creating a shine or coating to the hair’s surface. Examples of these are: Black Castor Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Almond Oil
Penetrating oils are more readily absorbed into the hair shaft due to their smaller molecular structure. The nutrient properties from these oils are most beneficial to the hair because it can reach the core of the hair shaft. Some refer to these oils as “moisturizing oils” but don’t be misled. It's not that these oils provide moisture, but that they are able to penetrate the hair shaft. Examples of these oils include Olive oil, Argan oil, Coconut oil, Babassu oil, Sunflower oil, and Rosemary oil.
Finally, there are a few oils that are able to function as sealants and penetrate the hair shaft. It’s important to remember that these types of oils often benefit different hair types in different ways. What acts as a sealant for one person may be a penetrating oil for another and vice versa. Examples of these dual acting oils are Olive oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and argan oil.
When Should I Put Oil On My Natural Hair?
During my research I found that there is still some debate among hair experts on whether it’s best to use oil on dry or wet hair. I found that there are benefits to doing both, depending on the type of oil you're using.
Wet vs. Dry
When the hair is damp, it's best to use penetrating natural oils. This helps the oil lock in moisture, aid in detangling and help improve any damage or excessive dryness.
You want to consider using heavier oils while the hair is dry. This will reduce frizz, create shine, and protect the hair from UV rays and pollutants.
It’s always best to use hair oils when the hair is clean to receive the most nutrient benefits and give natural oils a better chance of penetrating the hair shaft. Another way to help natural oils to penetrate the hair shaft is with the use of a hot oil treatment. The warmth of the oil helps the hair become more penetrable by slightly opening up the hair’s cuticle.
What Oils Help Hair Grow The Fastest?
Now that you know the types of natural oils, their purposes and how to use them let’s discuss what you’ve been waiting for…*drum roll* GROWTH!
While healthy hair will grow and continue to grow throughout the span of your life, these are the oils that have shown to stimulate hair growth and are definitely worth adding into your hair routine!
Based on a clinical study done in 2015, researchers found that applying olive-tree derived ingredients stimulated hair growth. The study left a few questions unanswered however, the healthy fats and antioxidants in olive oil are noted to potentially help slow the process of hair loss. Olive oil is great for growth because it nourishes, soothes the scalp, reduces breakage, prevents damage.
Rosemary oil is known to stimulate hair growth due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its effect on circulation. The increase in circulation to the hair’s follicles supports adequate blood supply and nutrients, resulting in the reduction of hair loss.
Jamaican Black Castor oil is another oil that helps improve circulation thanks to linoleic acid and omega fatty acids. It’s also well known for its scalp soothing qualities that fight-dandruff causing fungi. Getting to the root of scalp concerns and creating a healthy environment for your hair will undoubtedly boost hair growth.
Whether you’re a fan of coconut oil or not it delivers a healthy dose of fatty acids, vitamin E and has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It gets even better, because it contains lauric acid which allows this oil to penetrate the hair shaft easier. Packed with so much goodness, this oil has been known to reduce the rate of hair loss too!
Made from the kernels of fruit on the Moroccan argan tree; this oil is sometimes referred to as “liquid gold.” It contains antioxidant compounds called phenols that strengthen the hair follicles and promote healthy cell production in the scalp. Stronger hair follicles can encourage longer hair growth cycles. and longer growth cycles encourage longer hair.
Extracted from the peppermint leaf, peppermint oil contains a compound called Menthol. Menthol is believed to increase circulation of the scalp, help stimulate growth, and used as a remedy for hair loss. Peppermint oil’s properties are also described as: anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and vasodilating (improve blood flow); all beneficial to potentially improving hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Straight from the Indian Gooseberry Tree, this oil is derived from the gooseberry fruit and most commonly used to help promote scalp and hair health. The compounds and nutrients found in amla oil provide potent hair and scalp benefits such as the strengthening the scalp and hair, reducing hair loss, stimulating hair growth, preventing/treating dandruff, and improving the overall appearance of the hair.
*My personal favorite Amla scalp treatment is Qhemet Biologics Amla Pomade.
This oil is extracted from grape seeds and contains a fatty acid called linoleic acid. This fatty acid isn’t naturally produced by the body but essential for major organ function. Not getting enough linoleic acid can cause hair loss, dry hair, and scalp; which makes grapeseed oil a key player in hair growth.
Which Hair Oil Should I Be Using?
Knowing a little about the use of different hair oils can go a long way in helping you choose the best natural oils for your hair's needs. You can also learn more about your hair's needs by reading the Natural Hair Solutions Guide.
These 8 natural hair oils have the potential to improve the overall health of your scalp and hair. Incorporating them regularly into your hair routine and having the information inside the Natural Hair Solutions Guide will accelerate your hair growth and give you the length you desire.
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